2026 NHL DRAFT: 5 UNDER-THE-RADAR PLAYERS While headliners like Carson Carels, J.P. Hurlbert, Ryan Lin, and others dominate the 2026 NHL Draft conversation, the WHL continues to churn out deep-roster talent. Here are five under-the-radar WHL players whose draft stock is quietly climbing. 1. MATIAS VANHANEN - EVERETT SILVERTIPS The Finnish product has adjusted seamlessly to the North American game, becoming a vital cog in the No. 1 ranked Silvertips. Vanhanen has tallied 19 goals and 64 assists in his first season. The 18-year-old was recently named WHL Rookie of the Week (March 2, 2026) after a nine-point explosion. Vanhanen was ranked No. 76 among North American skaters. 2. LUKAS SAWCHYN - EDMONTON OIL KINGS The younger brother of Florida Panthers prospect Gracyn Sawchyn, Lukas has eclipsed his brother's draft-year production in Edmonton. Sawchyn has tallied 24 goals and 58 assists for 82 points in 63 games so far this season, ranking 11th among WHL skaters. Central Scouting had Sawchyn at 168th in their mid-term rankings. 3. MICHAL ORSULAK - PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS The Czech import has taken the league by storm, posting a 2.34 GAA and a .905 SV%, to go with a 24-4-4 record in 32 games. Orsulak is a massive 6-foot-4, 225-pound netminder who steals games with elite mobility for his size. Orsulak was ranked as the No. 2 North American Goaltender by Central Scouting. 4. TIMOFEI RUNTSO - VICTORIA ROYALS After losing Keaton Verhoeff, the Royals needed some reassurance on their blue line, and that's where Runtso came into play. Runtso is a 6-foot-2 mobile defender who leads all WHL rookie defensemen in scoring with 41 points in 63 games. Runtso is ranked 53rd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in their mid-term rankings. 5. JOSH EVASCHESEN - KAMLOOPS BLAZERS After a quiet stint in the BCHL last season, Evaschesen has exploded in his draft-eligible year in Kamloops, posting 30 goals and 40 assists for 70 points in 62 games. The 19-year-old is a 6-foot-2 versatile forward who can slide between wing and center. Evaschesen is committed to playing at RPI next season in the NCAA. Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/whl]. Everett, Prince Albert, Medicine Hat & Penticton Named To 2025-26 CHL Top-10 Week 24 Rankings [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/everett-prince-albert-medicine-hat-penticton-named-to-2025-26-chl-top-10-week-24-rankings] WHL Announces Players Of The Month For February 2026 [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/whl-announces-players-of-the-month-for-february-2026] Vancouver Giants Forward Joe Iginla Remains Focused On Impressing The Scouts Ahead Of The 2026 NHL Draft [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/vancouver-giants-forward-joe-iginla-remains-focused-on-impressing-the-scouts-ahead-of-the-2026-nhl-draft] Seattle Kraken Sign Penticton Vees Forward Ryden Evers To An Entry-Level Contract [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/seattle-kraken-sign-penticton-vees-forward-ryden-evers-to-an-entry-level-contract] Vegas Golden Knights Sign Portland Winterhawks' Alex Weiermair [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/vegas-golden-knights-sign-portland-winter-hawks-alex-weiermair] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?_gl=1*11e3hua*_ga*MTk0NDM0Mzk0OS4xNzQ2MjQ0ODA2*_ga_ZET34ZFCGX*czE3NjYzMzYxOTQkbzkwOSRnMSR0MTc2NjMzNzA3NyRqNTYkbDAkaDA.]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum. Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/cc492147-078f-446b-a9a3-82efeb81a5df.jpeg]
